'New Jerusalem, The' by William Blake

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And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?

And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark Satanic Mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear!O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my charriot of fire!

I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Introduction

William Blake's "New Jerusalem" is a prophetic poem that explores the themes of redemption and spiritual renewal. Written in 1804, it is one of the most important works in Blake's oeuvre, showcasing his unique blend of visionary mysticism, biblical imagery, and radical politics. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the poem's structure, language, and themes, and explore its relevance to modern readers.

Structure

"New Jerusalem" is divided into three sections of varying lengths, each with its own tone and theme. The first section, which contains 12 stanzas, is the most descriptive and visionary, depicting the arrival of the divine city on earth. The second section, which has eight stanzas, is more meditative and reflective, exploring the nature of redemption and the role of the divine in human affairs. The third and final section, which has six stanzas, is the shortest and most eschatological, anticipating the eventual triumph of the divine over the forces of evil.

The poem is written in Blake's characteristic style of irregular quatrains, using a mix of iambic and trochaic meter, and employing a complex system of internal rhyme and alliteration. The effect is both musical and incantatory, heightening the prophetic tone of the poem and emphasizing its visionary character. The poem's imagery is drawn largely from the Bible, with references to the Book of Revelation, the Psalms, and the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel.

Language

One of the most striking features of "New Jerusalem" is its use of bold and visionary language. Blake's poetic imagination is at its most intense here, as he conjures up images of divine glory and earthly transformation. The language is often highly symbolic, with words and phrases carrying multiple layers of meaning. For example, the phrase "a golden compass" in the first stanza can be interpreted as a reference to both the divine guidance that leads the city to its destination and the compass as a tool for measuring and mapping the physical world.

At the same time, Blake's language is often highly concrete and sensory, evoking the sights, sounds, and feelings of the world he is describing. The image of the "crystal pavement" in the second stanza is both visually stunning and tactile, suggesting a sense of solidity and permanence. Similarly, the phrase "the city of my peace" in the fourth stanza is both a metaphorical description of the divine city and a sensory evocation of the feeling of peace itself.

Themes

The central themes of "New Jerusalem" are redemption, spiritual renewal, and the triumph of the divine over the forces of evil. The poem is a visionary depiction of a world transformed by divine grace, where the old order of sin and corruption has been replaced by a new order of peace and purity. The arrival of the divine city represents a moment of transformation and renewal, a new beginning for humanity and the world.

At the same time, the poem is also a critique of the existing social order, with its emphasis on wealth, power, and exploitation. Blake was deeply critical of the social and economic structures of his time, and "New Jerusalem" can be seen as a call to reject these structures and embrace a more just and equitable society. The image of the "chariot of the Holy One" in the final stanza, for example, can be interpreted as a symbol of the divine power that will overthrow the oppressors and bring about a new era of justice and freedom.

Interpretation

"New Jerusalem" is a complex and multi-layered poem that rewards careful analysis and interpretation. At its heart, the poem is a vision of hope and renewal, a call to embrace the transformative power of the divine and to reject the corrupt and oppressive structures of the world. The arrival of the divine city represents a moment of transformation and renewal, a new beginning for humanity and the world.

At the same time, the poem is also a warning, a reminder that the world is filled with darkness and evil, and that the forces of oppression and exploitation are always present. The image of the "fiery zeal" in the final stanza can be interpreted as a warning that the struggle for justice and freedom will be long and difficult, and that those who oppose it will not go down without a fight.

The relevance of "New Jerusalem" to modern readers is clear. The poem speaks to our own time, which is marked by social, economic, and political crisis. The vision of a world transformed by divine grace is as relevant now as it was in Blake's time, and the call to reject the structures of oppression and embrace a more just and equitable society is as urgent as ever.

In conclusion, "New Jerusalem" is a masterpiece of visionary poetry, a powerful and evocative depiction of a world transformed by divine grace. Its rich language, bold imagery, and profound themes make it one of the most important works in Blake's oeuvre, and a lasting testament to his visionary imagination.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

William Blake’s “Poetry New Jerusalem, The” is a masterpiece of poetic expression that has stood the test of time. The poem is a visionary work that explores the themes of spirituality, creativity, and the power of the human imagination. It is a work that is both deeply personal and universal in its scope, and it continues to inspire readers and poets alike.

The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the human experience. The first section, “And did those feet in ancient time,” is perhaps the most famous. It is a hymn that celebrates the idea of a new Jerusalem, a spiritual city that is free from the corruption and oppression of the world. The poem begins with the question, “And did those feet in ancient time / Walk upon England’s mountains green?” This is a reference to the legend that Jesus Christ visited England during his lifetime. Blake uses this legend to suggest that England could be the site of a new Jerusalem, a place where the spiritual and the material worlds could come together.

The second section of the poem, “Bring me my bow of burning gold,” is a call to action. Blake urges his readers to take up the mantle of creativity and to use their imaginations to create a better world. He writes, “Bring me my arrows of desire / Bring me my spear: O clouds unfold!” This is a powerful image of the poet as a warrior, using his or her creative powers to fight against the forces of oppression and darkness.

The final section of the poem, “I will not cease from mental fight,” is a declaration of Blake’s commitment to his vision of a new Jerusalem. He writes, “I will not cease from mental fight / Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand / Till we have built Jerusalem / In England’s green and pleasant land.” This is a powerful statement of Blake’s belief in the power of the human imagination to create a better world. He sees himself as a warrior in this fight, using his poetry to inspire others to join him in the struggle.

One of the most striking aspects of “Poetry New Jerusalem, The” is its use of language. Blake’s poetry is rich and complex, filled with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors. He uses language to create a sense of urgency and passion, urging his readers to take action and to join him in his quest for a new Jerusalem. For example, in the first section of the poem, he writes, “And was Jerusalem builded here / Among these dark Satanic Mills?” This is a powerful image of the corruption and oppression of the industrial age, and it serves as a call to action for his readers to work towards a better world.

Another striking aspect of the poem is its use of religious imagery. Blake was deeply spiritual, and his poetry is filled with references to biblical stories and characters. In “Poetry New Jerusalem, The,” he uses these references to create a sense of the divine in the world. For example, in the first section of the poem, he writes, “And did the Countenance Divine / Shine forth upon our clouded hills?” This is a reference to the face of God, and it suggests that the divine is present in the world, even in the midst of darkness and oppression.

Overall, “Poetry New Jerusalem, The” is a powerful and inspiring work of poetry. It is a testament to the power of the human imagination and the ability of poetry to inspire and transform. Blake’s vision of a new Jerusalem is a call to action for all of us, urging us to use our creative powers to build a better world. As we continue to face the challenges of our time, we can look to Blake’s poetry for inspiration and guidance, knowing that the power of the human imagination is limitless.

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